Children's Home, Residential special school run by Cambian Whinfell School Limited in Westmorland and Furness

Unique reference number SC066821 Inspector Jackie Line Type of inspection Full Provision subtype Residential special school (>295 days/year)

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Registered person Cambian Whinfell School Ltd Registered person address 4th Floor, Waterfront Building Chancellor's Road Hammersmith Embankment London EC1Y 8YZ Responsible individual Stephen Wallace Bradshaw Registered manager Tracy Ann Booth Date of last inspection 18/03/2014 2 of 12 Inspection date 16/01/2015

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Previous inspection good progress Enforcement action since last inspection none

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Overall effectiveness outstanding

Outcomes for children and young people outstanding Quality of care outstanding Keeping children and young people safe outstanding Leadership and management outstanding

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Overall effectiveness

Since the last inspection, there has been a change in ownership of the home. However, managers and staffing arrangements have remained consistent providing continuity of care for young people. Parents and professionals report that anxieties they initially had about the change in provider have not materialised. The service continues to deliver an exceptional standard of care to young people and their families.

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Overall effectiveness

The service operates across two sites. The main house includes the school, and there is a smaller home situated close by which accommodates young people on a semi-independence plan. This enables the home to accommodate young people who are at different stages of their journey. Moreover, it demonstrates a creative and flexible approach to care planning that provides young people with continued support through to adulthood.

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Overall effectiveness

The home is structured with clear and consistent boundaries in place. High staffing ratios ensure young people receive high levels of personalised care and support. Young people are encouraged, as far as their age and ability will allow, to contribute to care planning, and all the activity that takes place in the home. On-going communication and consultation means that young’s individual preferences and wishes are met. 3 of 12 An experienced and highly motivated staff team are ambitious for young people. Staff challenge barriers to ensure full participation and inclusion at home, school and in the community. As a result, outcomes for young people significantly improve. Based on their starting points, young people are making exceptional progress. For example, young people are developing greater independence; their physical and emotional health is improving; they are engaging in constructive and enjoyable

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Overall effectiveness

activities in the community, and education outcomes on the whole are excellent. All of these factors improve young people’s outlook and future prospects.

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Overall effectiveness

Young people, their parents, and social workers are consistent in their praise of staff, and about the progress being achieved for young people. For example, a parent says: ‘The change in our son is phenomenal’. This is backed up by a social worker who says: ‘He has made incredible progress on so many levels, it is fantastic’. Importantly, young people say: ‘It is absolutely good’, and recognise that ‘things are better for me living here’. This demonstrates excellent relationships and working partnerships, which clearly benefit young people.

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Overall effectiveness

The home is extremely well managed. The Registered Manager routinely monitors the quality of young people’s care, and the home’s operation. As a result, there is a clear understanding of the home’s strengths, and prompt action is taken to rectify any identified weaknesses. The manager is proactive and forward thinking as she strives to ensure continued development and sustained improvement.

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Overall effectiveness

This inspection has not raised any major concerns, although three areas for future development have been identified. These include, ensuring that all staff who work across the two homes have participated in a fire drill at both sites; the independent visitor consults with parents as part of his monitoring, and a problem with internet access is resolved to ensure young people have the appropriate access to meet their needs. 4 of 12

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Information about this children’s home

This privately owned children's home provides accommodation, care and education for a maximum of 14 young people with learning disabilities, including complex needs and autistic spectrum disorders.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

18/03/2014 Interim good progress 09/01/2014 Full outstanding 27/02/2013 Interim good progress 05/12/2012 Full outstanding

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

 ensure there is an emergency escape plan that all staff have practiced so they know what to do in an emergency, specifically where staff work across both homes under the registration, they have participated in a fire drill at both sites (NMS 10.9)  ensure that visits carried out under regulation 33 include relevant checks, in particular that they seek the views of parents and social workers (NMS 21.7)  ensure young people take part in age appropriate activities as agreed by the home’s staff in a way similar to how a reasonable parent might reach agreement with their children, taking into account any assessment of risk to the child, in particular young people have access to the internet without restrictions in place being overly limiting, thereby enabling them to pursue activities, research and have contact with their family (NMS 7.5). 5 of 12 6 of 12

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Prior to placement many young people and their families have experienced significant challenges. Young people were excluded or disengaged from education, their presenting behaviours were a significant concern, and some families describe being at ‘breaking point’. Since coming to live at the home, all young people have made significant progress relative to their starting points. As a result, young people’s outlooks are much brighter. One parent summed this up when they said: ‘Our son now has a future'.

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

All young people are now fully engaged in education and attendance is excellent. One young person said: ‘I didn’t used to go to school, but I do now’. Young people participate in individualised programmes of study, including academic learning and vocational experiences. For example, some young people take part in work experience in the local community. As a result, they are learning about the world of work, are growing in confidence and developing new skills. All young people have improved reading levels. 89% of young people exceeded expectations, with the remainder meeting expected targets in numeracy, over the academic year. Some young people have attained GCSE’s, and are currently accessing college courses independently. One parent said: ‘He has made outstanding progress educationally, this would have been impossible without the input of staff’. Given their starting points this is outstanding progress.

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people have complex needs and these are being positively addressed. Young people experience stability, consistency, routine and structure at this home. As a result of the support and care they receive, young people are learning to identify their emotions, and develop coping strategies to manage their feelings and behaviour more appropriately. This impacts positively on their relationships with others, and their ability to engage in activities and education. One parent commented: ‘I have noticed a massive change in my son’s learning ability, concentration and behaviour. He is more rational thinking, calmer and developing coping strategies’. Another parent said: ‘Staff are always looking at ways to help reduce his anxieties; they have given him his life back’.

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people’s inclusion in community life is excellent. All young people participate in a range of activities including dance, swimming, canoeing, camping, gardening, accessing the local library, and going to the gym. As a result, young people develop confidence, integrate with different peer groups, and enjoy a real sense of achievement. Moreover, because of an increase in physical exercise young people are fitter, their sleep patterns are better, and they benefit from improved health and well- being.

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

The arrangements for guiding young people to a more independent lifestyle are 7 of 12 exceptional. The culture and ethos of the home is to encourage young people to be as independent as possible in line with their age, ability and needs. Clear plans are in place to develop independence skills and support their transition to independence. Young people have made significant progress in this area. For example, some young people have greatly improved self-care skills, are now able to travel independently to their activities, and others have learned to budget, shop independently, plan meals and cook for themselves.

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people are well supported to maintain regular contact with family and friends. Arrangements are clear and well managed, and young people clearly benefit from excellent relationships staff have with parents. Because of the progress young people are making in their development, relationships with their families improve. As a result, the quality of contact is much better and more enjoyable. One family reports: ‘Visits home are enjoyable, and the social skills he is developing are benefitting all the family’. Another said: ‘Familial relationships are getting better, this Christmas is one of the best periods he has had’. This means young people maintain positive links with people who are important to them, and their needs are well met.

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Quality of care outstanding

Young people benefit from a staff team that show considerable patience, and are attentive to their individual and complex needs. As a result, young people develop excellent relationships with staff, and they appreciate the support afforded to them. One young person expressed this by saying: ‘Thank you for caring for me and looking after me, I am happy here’.

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Quality of care outstanding

Young people’s individual needs are clearly identified through a range of planning documents and assessments of risks. Plans and strategies are in place which are reviewed and updated regularly to keep them current. Individual difference is celebrated in this home, and staff show flair and imagination in how they deal with young people. A parent said of staff: ‘They just get him. Before, people have tried to fit a square peg into a round hole, here they accept him for who he is’. This enables young people feel more comfortable in who they are, and more confident in themselves. As a result, young people establish their own identity, and their individual personalities flourish.

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Quality of care outstanding

Staff are excellent advocates for young people in terms of health and education. Routines and structures in place ensure that young people are well supported and their needs are fully met. Each young person’s educational potential is supported by proactive staff practice. Care staff continually emphasise the importance of young people getting the best out of educational opportunities. As a result, young people know what is expected of them, and they engage purposefully with school.

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Quality of care outstanding

Personal, social and health education is well coordinated, and healthy lifestyles are promoted. Staff communicate clearly with parents about any issues that arise. 8 of 12 Medication is stored safely, and arrangements for the administration and recording of prescribed and non-prescribed medication are effective. All staff receive suitable training to support young people’s health and well-being, and this maintains the high quality of care being provided.

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Quality of care outstanding

Consultation and on-going communication is integral to constructive relationships between staff and young people. There are clear mechanisms in place for securing feedback from young people, and as a result young people influence the running of the home. Young people say they feel listened to and that staff act on their wishes. For example, young people asked via a house meeting for a change in the way they help out at meal times. A change was subsequently implemented. This demonstrates that young people are able to negotiate effectively, and their opinions are valued and respected.

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Quality of care outstanding

Records show the home has not had to deal with any complaints from young people since the previous inspection. Young people are well informed about how to access the complaints procedure if they wish. For example, information linked to complaints and children’s rights is included in the young people’s guide. Young people have raised their frustrations with staff about recent changes to their internet access. Filters put in place designed to ensure young people’s safety are proving to be overly restrictive. This is affecting their enjoyment of gaming and social media, which they used to access without incident. Efforts have been made to address the problem, however, it has not yet been fully resolved. This is an area identified for improvement so that young people can continue to take part in age appropriate activities, whilst still taking into account of individual safer caring considerations.

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Quality of care outstanding

Staff have developed excellent relationships with a variety of partner agencies, including parents. Professionals and parents have high levels of confidence in the service, and say that communication with the home is ‘superb’. Parents confirm they can ring anytime and speak to any staff member, who will know what their child has been doing. This collaborative approach ensures that staff are working together to ensure young people’s needs are met. Parents describe the care provided as ‘second to none’, and one parent summed up what this means when they said: ‘Seeing my son so settled is like winning the lottery’.

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Quality of care outstanding

Two homes are covered by the same registration. Both properties are maintained to a high standard and are warm and welcoming for young people, parents and visitors. The atmosphere is calm and relaxed, and young people certainly feel at home. Young people have their own rooms that are personalised to reflect their interests. Photographs on display celebrate their achievements, reflect the range of opportunities afforded to them, and the positive experiences they have.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

9 of 12 Young people’s safety is the highest priority for staff. Records, discussion with parents and social workers, assessments of risk and observations of practice demonstrate that young people are kept safe. Staff are well trained, and are diligent in meeting their responsibilities to protect and promote young people’s welfare. Moreover, young people say they feel safe living at this home.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

Young people’s individual plans clearly identify any risks they may face, and outline effective strategies to ensure their welfare is protected. Staff have a clear understanding of young people’s vulnerabilities relating to their level of disability. This enables staff to ensure young people are safe at home, and whilst out in the community.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

Systems are well established to deal with young people who go missing. Such incidents are rare, and when they do occur young people return quickly. Each young person has an individual plan outlining their needs and vulnerabilities, with clear procedures for staff to follow. This ensures staff respond promptly and effectively to locate young people, and ensure their safe return.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

Young people do not routinely engage in risky behaviour. Prior to their admission some young people were on the cusp of engaging in criminal behaviour. This has not been a feature for these young people since coming to live at the home. This means young people have been engaged in constructive activities that have directed them away from criminality. There have been isolated incidents when some young people have experimented with drugs. The response to this was robust, with staff organising for young people to meet with specialist workers to ensure they are fully educated about the dangers of such behaviour. This action enables young people to make informed choices and keep themselves safe.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

Behaviour management is excellent and based on the individual needs of young people. The quality of relationships, consistency in approach, and clear expectations all contribute to young people feeling safe and secure. Staff are resourceful and creative in helping young people to manage their behaviour more appropriately. For example, they have helped to channel one young person’s energy and exuberance by involving him in an allotment project to help him focus. Another young person has started to tell staff if he has an issue with something, so that he can move on and deal with it. Furthermore, young people recognise that good behaviour is rewarded. As a result, they engage well with incentive schemes that are in place. Parents report their children are more able to listen to advice, they are not as angry, and have developed better coping strategies. As a result, young people are learning to take responsibility for their behaviour and making better choices. This in turn is helping

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

them to develop better relationships and enjoy improved outcomes.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

There are occasions when physical intervention is necessary to help keep young people and others safe. Such incidents are well managed and records are clear. Parents are informed about the use of restraint, and techniques employed to keep their child safe when absolutely necessary. They report they are always told when 10 of 12 incidents occur. Furthermore, there is exceptionally good management oversight of restraint practice. This helps identify patterns and trends to inform future practice, and reduce incidents.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

Both the main house and the semi-independent provision are safe places for young people to stay. Regular health and safety checks are carried out, and all young people participate in regular fire drills so they know how to exit their home safely in the event of such an emergency. This inspection identified that some staff who work at the semi-independent provision have not participated in a fire drill at this home. This has been highlighted as an area for improvement. It has not directly impacted on the safety of young people to date, and the manager took steps to address this matter during the inspection.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

Recruitment practices are unquestionably robust. As a result, only adults deemed suitable and safe are employed to care for young people. This ensures young people are protected from harm.

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Leadership and management outstanding

The home is effectively and efficiently managed by a permanent Registered Manager. She has been in post since February 2013 and is appropriately qualified.

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Leadership and management outstanding

An experienced management team ensures staff are well motivated, and maintain their enthusiasm. Staff describe their work as, ‘enjoyable; rewarding; fulfilling, and fun’. The staff team are dedicated to achieving the best outcomes possible for young people in their care, and helping them to maximise their potential. Young people undoubtedly benefit from a stable, positive and capable staff team.

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Leadership and management outstanding

Staff confirm they are well supported and receive regular supervision. Appraisals take place within timescales, and there is access to a range of training opportunities. This means staff are well equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the complex needs of children in their care.

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Leadership and management outstanding

Internal and external monitoring of the home takes place regularly. This helps managers evaluate the effectiveness of the service, and determine how well it is meeting the needs of young people. Such monitoring informs the home’s development plan, and areas for continued improvement are clearly identified and addressed. Internal monitoring processes take account of the views of parents, young people and social workers. The independent visitor does not consult with parents as part of his monitoring visits. This is an area highlighted for improvement, to ensure parents are consulted about the home’s performance independently of staff at the home.

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Leadership and management outstanding

The aim of the home is very clear. Staff and young people work together to overcome barriers, so that young people can learn and achieve. Individually tailored 11 of 12 care and support ensures the best possible outcomes for young people. The ethos and culture established in the home evidences that it acts in accordance with its Statement of Purpose.

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Leadership and management outstanding

Records in the home are well organised, accurate and kept up to date. They provide a comprehensive account of the young people’s care needs, their experiences and plans for the future. Records reflect the progress young people make during their placement, and demonstrate significantly improved outcomes.

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Leadership and management outstanding

Young people’s placements are very stable, and the home’s service history shows an excellent record in compliance. There is an effective system in place to notify relevant persons and appropriate authorities of the occurrence of significant events. Clear partnership arrangements underpin all practice, and there is tremendous satisfaction with the high quality service provided. Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Leadership and management outstanding

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Judgement Description

Outstanding A service of exceptional quality that significantly exceeds minimum requirements.

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Judgement Description

Good A service of high quality that exceeds minimum requirements.

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Judgement Description

Adequate A service that only meets minimum requirements.

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Judgement Description

Inadequate A service that does not meet minimum requirements.

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this inspection is to assure children and young people, parents, the public, local authorities and government of the quality and standard of the service provided. The inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service and to consider how well it complies with the relevant regulations and meets the national minimum standards.

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Information about this inspection

The report details the main strengths, any areas for improvement, including any breaches of regulation, and any failure to meet national minimum standards. The judgements included in the report are made against the framework of inspection for children's homes.

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